Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that affects the absorption of energy from sugar, so it is extremely important to be highly selective of the foods you eat if you have the condition. Foods with low fat, low cholesterol and a low glycemic index that are dense with nutrients should make up the majority of the diet for those with diabetes. Coconut is one such potential food, depending on its preparation.
Coconut Oil
The bane to any diabetic diet is a food high in carbohydrates, but low in fiber and other nutrients. At first, coconut oil may seem like this, but distinct properties render it ideal for inclusion in meals for diabetics. Coconut oil is high in medium chain fatty acids, which do not require insulin nor the carrier enzyme carnitine transferase necessary for glucose and long chain fatty acid absorption. This means that the energy in coconut oil can independently absorb into cellular mitochondria, where the cell uses it as energy, leaving coconut oil with a zero glycemic index. Moreover, it does not significantly raise blood triglyceride levels unless eaten in inordinate amounts. As a result, coconut oil is a constant source of energy despite blood sugar levels, decreasing the potential for harmful effects of diabetes.
Coconut Fiber
Fiber in general is particularly beneficial for those with diabetes, as it can help moderate blood insulin and glucose levels by slowing the conversion of complex carbohydrates into sugar. The fiber in coconut is especially effective at moderating insulin and glucose levels, according to Bruce Fife in the book, "Coconut Cures." When this property occurs in tandem with coconut oil in fresh coconut, it actually lowers the glycemic index of foods to which the fresh coconut is added, reports Fife. However, this isn't to say that desserts that contain coconut are safe for consumption by those with diabetes -- it simply illustrates the potential benefit of coconut as a major dietary component for those with diabetes.
Coconut Fat
A major concern associated with coconut is the fat is contains. High fat foods that promote weight gain are nearly as harmful as high sugar foods to those with diabetes. However, Laurence Chalem indicates that this may be a misunderstanding based on studies taken out of context in the book "Essential Diabetes Leadership." In one often-cited study in particular, researchers investigated the effects of essential fatty acid deficiency by feeding fully hydrogenated coconut oil to animals. It did raise the cholesterol of the test subjects, but this is likely because full hydrogenation converts all fatty acids into saturated fats. Chalem claims that coconut oil can actually prevent a fatty acid deficiency, negating the findings of the initial study given the oil is not hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated beforehand.
Bottom Line
Coconut can be extremely beneficial to those with diabetes as a regular part of their daily diet. However, if you have diabetes, ensure that you balance the other necessary nutrients that you must ingest daily with your coconut supplementation for energy. Coconut is most beneficial when it is closest to its natural form; the more preparation or processing applied, the less beneficial it tends to be. Speak to your doctor before making any dietary alterations.
References
- "Coconut Oil: Discover the Key to Vibrant Health"; Siegfried Gursche; 2008
- "Coconut Cures: Preventing and Treating Common Health Problems with Coconut"; Bruce Fife; 2005
- "Coconut: Rediscovered as Medicinal Food"; Harald Tietze, Harald W Tietze, Arthur Echano and Juta Stepanovs; 2006
- "Essential Diabetes Leadership"; Laurence D. Chalem; 2009
